Alessi's Ark
Yesterday, you may have read magical folkstress Alessi’s Ark interviewing the person-form equivalent of musical ESG, The Whispertown 2000. If you missed it, read it right here.
But that wasn’t all… they then swapped roles!!! The Whispertown 2000′s Morgan interviews Alessi right here in yet another one-off ultra-mega-special exclusive from Muso’s Towers. Oh yes.
Morgan: If you could play drums in any band, what band would you choose?
AA: Oh i’d be a happy bird if we could be in a band together! There are mountains and water between us, but it’d be fun to try! Heartless Bastards would be the other band i think, Erika’s voice is so powerful and they’ve got good, solid beats!
How old were you when you starting writing music?
AA: When i was about 14 i started writing poems and stories for my zine Brain Bulletin. It was around then that i tried putting some of the poems to chords on the guitar and the midi keyboard we had at home.
Do you like pizza?
AA: I like pizza! A lot!
What do you like to order on your pizza?
AA: Hmm, i do eat animals but i prefer non-animal options on pizza; mushrooms, artichoke hearts, olives, goat’s cheese… yes!
We’ve noticed you are very crafty. What is the last thing that you’ve made?
AA: Nothing too fancy of late but i did just finish making Nana’s birthday card.
Why are things so magical?
AA: There are good people around.
What are your favourite McCarthy Trenching and Neva Dinova songs and why? And who would you rather arm wrestle, Jake Bellows or Dan McCarthy?
AA: Oooh this is a tough one! My favourite McCarthy Trenching songs are ‘Detritus’, ‘I’m Not Long For This World’ and ‘Hotel Lobby Bar’. Dan’s voice is so clear and true.
Hmm and Neva… I don’t think Jake’s got a bad song up his sleeves – every one of them gives me goosebumps. ‘A man and his dream’ stops me in my tracks everytime. ‘Dragon’ is a special one too and I love the use of the word “elastic” in ‘Dances Fantastic’.
In arm wrestle… could I take the two fellows on at once?! I wouldn’t stand a chance but it would be fun!!
We enjoy your songs so much, both when you play alone, and with a band. Do you prefer playing with a band or by yourself?
AA: Oh thanks! It’s was a special thing sharing ideas and distributing all those feelings and sounds across more bodies than my own but since making the album I’ve found it hard to find the folks to play with. Omaha was almost too beautiful a starting place – likeminded players are out there though – I believe it! Some must just be hiding!
What are your top 3 inspirations?
AA: Listening to stories and trying to remember details in dreams from the night before. Honest people too.
If you weren’t playing music, what would you do?
AA: Drawing and children are two favourites – maybe I’d be making children’s books.
When is your next show? Can we come?!!
AA: Yes! Please do! Hike or swim! I’m playing a few songs at Pestival on Friday, September 4th with Robyn Hitchcock at Queen Elizabeth Hall. It’ll be a night of songs inspired by insects!
You’re lovely and this is fun! See you sooooon xo
Wasn’t that lovely? Now go and put on a cardigan, raid the larder for flumps and sit by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa for the rest of the day…
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